Roby Responds to Latest Developments on Syria Situation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today commented on the latest developments on the Syria situation and the President’s request for the authorization for military force.

Rep. Roby participated in two classified briefings on Monday with officials from the Department of Defense, Department of State, and the nation’s intelligence community. This morning, Rep. Roby attended a meeting at the White House between a select number of fellow House Members and Vice President Joe Biden. Also today, Rep. Roby took part in a House Armed Services Committee hearing with Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey.

Rep. Roby released the following statement:

“I appreciate the White House and officials from the Obama Administration for reaching out to Members of Congress and appearing in committee to provide us the background we need to make an informed decision about authorizing the use of military force.

“Despite my serious doubts about the wisdom of military action in Syria, I have been careful not to cast a final judgment on this decision before seeing all the facts and giving the Administration a chance to make its case.

“Between my classified briefings yesterday, my meeting with Vice President Biden at the White House this morning, and the discussion in the House Armed Services Committee today, I believe I have heard the case. What I’ve learned about the Administration’s plans has not quelled my doubts. I remain deeply concerned that the use of military force in Syria at this time could have serious negative consequences for our country.

“That said, I understand that the situation remains fluid, to say the least, and that other options for dealing with Syria are evolving. I encourage President Obama and officials within the Administration to continue to proactively reach out to Members of Congress and articulate how those options develop.”

Rep. Martha Roby is a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

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